Lights shining brighter at the Grand

Anyone who attended the summer student musical “Guys and Dolls" were the first to see and appreciate the new stage lighting system at the Grand Theater in Rocky Ford.

Anyone who attended the summer student musical “Guys and Dolls" were the first to see and appreciate the new stage lighting system at the Grand Theater in Rocky Ford.

This past summer sufficient funds ($30,000) were raised to complete the first phase of the Grand’s stage and house lighting project. The failing transformers and lighting control board were replaced with new dimmers and a computerized lighting console. The apertures in the ceiling were enlarged and the old, second-hand fixtures were replaced with new, lighter models. Coverage is broader, deeper and brighter. Gone are the flickers, cold spots and unintentional cut-outs. Wireless “smart” technology links the new console to the dimmers and stage lights. Once mastered, the computerized controls will enable an infinite array of preset lighting displays and programs.

Also, the marquee neon lights have been repaired. The lights were damaged by hail. Fortunately, part of the cost of the repair work was covered by insurance.

The next phase of the lighting project is to replace the existing house and lobby lighting with LED bulbs and fixtures that are sensitive to the historic style of the theater. Restoration of the cove and seat lighting in the theater is also planned. The same wireless technology will be used to link the control of the general, house and marquee lighting to both the lighting console and the server which runs the digital projection system. An upgrade to the building's wiring along with removal of layers of old wiring will be required to meet existing building codes and improve the building’s safety. The estimated cost of completing the lighting project is $100,000-$140,000. Grand Friends has already raised $10,000 for the second half of the project, and both the Boetcher Fund and the El Pomar Foundations are willing to donate $5000 and $15,000, respectively, if the fund drive meets its target goal by August of 2014. Additional funds are being sought from other nonprofit and government agencies.

The next fundraiser at the theater will be a Vintage Movie Night on Oct. 24. The movie will be "High Noon," starring Gary Cooper and Grace Kelley. Plans are also under way to have an Oscar Gala and Spring Talent Show. Grand Friends is launching a Business Sponsorship Program. Businesses will be acknowledged on the Grand’s Silver Screen for tax-deductible contributions to the Lighting Fund Drive. Increasing levels of contribution (Emmy $100) (Grammy $250) (Oscar $500) will earn more screen time and exposure.The Grand Theater’s success and ability to get outside support is directly related to the level of local involvement. Funding agencies look at the number of local contributors, the degree of volunteer effort and percent of the community served. Rocky Ford’s Grand Theater is a rarity: a rural theater that has navigated the transition to digital cinema and also hosted a variety of live performances and programs.